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As you grow older, an urge tends to become stronger: to make the most of yourself, so you can help yourself and others as much as you can. If you follow this path to fulfillment, you will be happy now and throughout your life.

The challenge comes from the fears that get in your way. Without proper attention, these inner conflicts can stop you from creating an extraordinary life and accomplishing your life goals.

(By the way, you do deserve an extraordinary life!)

Let's identify three core fears and how you can overcome these fears.

1. FEAR OF FAILURE

"What if my goals and dreams don't work out?"

Perhaps you've tried before and came up short. Perhaps you know little about what you want to explore. Perhaps none of your family or friends have accomplished anything like what you'd like to do.

The journey of a 1000 miles still starts with the first step.

To move forward, let's use some affirmations to help clarify your mind on fear of failure.

You can also use holistic EFT, the tapping technique, to speed up the process of integrating these affirmations.

"Even though I'm afraid I will fail, I can still love and accept myself."

"Even though I've failed before, I can go forward now."

2. FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

We often may fear the unknown -- but it's a poor success strategy. To help face uncertainty, it's good to be prepared, in the right place mentally and physically.

To be your best, you need beneficial routines. Research continues to show how life-enhancing good habits are -- such as eating healthy, exercising, sleeping 7-8 hours nightly, and having a support network. The body and emotions thrive when you regularly nurture yourself.

Your body depends on certain necessities. When you take care of your body, you can venture more easily into the unknown, where creativity and more freedom lies. Then you are free to use your creative imagination to craft a wonderful life.

You can also use your fears to energize you. Fears can motivate you to become more innovative and productive.

Make it a priority to use your discernment and find new projects, new friends, new possibilities. Stay curious and take that next step.

Affirmations for fear of the unknown:

"Even though it's scary doing something I've never done before, I can still take care of myself and nurture my spirit."

"Even though I'm anxious about this new opportunity, I can still find my way and go forward." 3. FEAR OF WHAT OTHERS THINK

We find that most people are more influenced than they realize by what others think. The idea that someone might criticize or "reject" them stops many people in their tracks.

In truth, most people are too self-absorbed to think that often of others.

If you do ask them to join you in some venture, they may say "no." They may not understand why you are going in a new area, and possibly will try to stop you "for your own good" -- mostly due to their own projected fears.

When we try to please others, we are being co-dependent. Take a cue from those who are already successful: follow your heart and your own dreams. What's more, team up with some others who can help you advance -- either by collaborating or mentoring.

As you go forward, others will too. You will boldly pave the way for others who are ready to break from the herd, too.

Affirmations for fear of what others think:

"Even though people may criticize me, I still love and accept myself and know I'm okay."

"Even though people may not understand what I'm doing, I'm following my heart and attracting like-minded people as I go forward." FINAL THOUGHTS -- TAKE A LEAP

Every day you have a choice. To go forward with your hopes and dreams or stay stuck in fear.

Isn't now the time to turn those fears into motivations for you to go forward? Tap on the fears whenever they show up.

As the poet Apollinaire wrote in his poem "The Leap":

"Come to the edge, He said. They said: We are afraid. Come to the edge, He said. They came. He pushed them. And they flew..."

Whether you need an angel -- or yourself -- (or both) to push you, you too can fly! To the heart of your success.